Smile for the Skipton Open Studio!

Friday 20 June 2014

The Royal Square will become a big canvas for creative Islanders this weekend when Skipton Open Studios comes to town today.

Le Rocquier School students have been helping artists Ian Rolls, Alasdair Healy and Kerry-Jane Warner create an "instant portrait booth" with a difference which will be set up in the Square – where Islanders can get their portraits painted in a matter of minutes.

Primary school children will be getting paints out and helping artists from both Jersey and France to create big canvas banners in Jersey French which will go on display in the Central Market.

Youngsters can also get their own faces painted and there will be animation and digital drawing sessions, giant calligraphy art, jewellery, textiles and collage making demonstrations and a masterpieces art quiz.

Skipton Open Studios Project Manager Sasha Gibb said: "After the scale of the Norman’s mural the weekend before last, we love the intimacy of the Royal Square. Public involvement, combined with the enthusiasm and good humour of the artists involved is the key to the continued success of Skipton Open Studios. This year’s exhibition is phenomenal and artists will be on hand at both CCA Galleries International and in the Royal Square to guide and advise the public.”

The community art event is now in its seventh year and this year 57 artists will be taking part including four from France. They will be opening up their studios and working in historic locations around the Island over the weekends of 28 and 29 June and 5 and 6 July.

Islanders can get a "taster" of their work at an exhibition in CCA Galleries International at 10 Hill Street from 20 to 27 June.

The gallery is also be judging the work on show and giving one artist the chance to have their work made into a limited edition print by the Coriander Studios in London.

You can find out what's on where at www.openstudios.com